Continuous motion packaging machine for cartons with sealing tapes

ABSTRACT

A machine for filling upright cartons of generally rectangular cross-section with product after first applying sealing tapes to the lower ends of the cartons and before applying sealing tapes to the upper ends of the cartons. The machine incorporates several new and improved mechanisms for operating on the cartons and is particularly characterized by the novel mounting of certain ones of the mechanisms to enable the machine to be changed over comparatively quickly and easily from running cartons of one size to running cartons of a different size.

[ 51 Sept. 19, 1972 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Spruill Attorney-Wolfe, Hubbard, Leydig, Voit & Osann, Ltd.

[57] ABSTRACT A machine for filling upright cartons of generally rectangular cross-section with product after first applying sealing tapes to the lower ends of the cartons and before applying sealing tapes to the upper ends of the cartons. The machine incorporates several new and improved mechanisms for operating on the cartons and is particularly characterized by the novel mounting of certain ones of the mechanisms to enable the machine to be changed over comparatively quickly and easily from running cartons of one size to running cartons of a different size.

14 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures United States Patent Lense et a].

[54] CONTINUOUS MOTION PACKAGING MACHINE FOR CARTONS WITH SEALING TAPES [72] Inventors: Robert F. Lense; Richard C Zimmer, both of Rockford, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Riegel Paper Corporation, New

York, NY.

[22] Filed: Sept. 22, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 74,292

[52] US. Cl. .........................53/284, 53/128, 53/329 [51] Int. Cl. 1/00 [58] Field of Search........53/l86, 201, 266, 282, 284,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,589,248 6/1971 Lense.................. ....93/36 R law WMM Qsc s um I ram 44/0 ('07 Jaz 44/0 Jar/m1 PATENTEHsEP 19 m2 3.691. 724 saw our 13 PMENTED 19 I972 3.691. 724 sum 07 or 13 PATENTEDSEP 19 I972 SHEET OBUF 13 PATENTEDSEP 19 I972 SHEET 100? 13 1. W2 w? a 5 WM m M2 Vm CONTINUOUS MOTION PACKAGING MACHINE FOR CARTONSWITII SEALING TAPES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally toa packaging machine and, more particularly, to a machine of the type used for packaging a product in cartons of generally rectangular cross-section. With a machine of this type, initially collapsed cartons stored in a magazine are erected by a feed mechanism as an incident to their delivery into holders on a carrier or conveyor and then are advanced in the holders along a racetrack-shaped path, the cartons being advanced in upright positions and preferably at high speeds with continuous and uninterrupted motion as opposed to intermittent or step-by-step motion.

During the advance of the cartons along the first straight run of the racetrack path, a lower sealing unit applies a sealing tape across outwardly folded lower flaps of the cartons to close the lower open ends of the cartons. After a filler has deposited a charge of product into each carton, an upper sealing unit applies a sealing tape across the upper flaps and upper open ends of the cartons as the latter are advanced along the opposite straight run of the path. Both sealing units are driven back and forth alongside the path in timed relation with the movement of the cartons so that the sealing tapes can be applied and sealed to the cartons without interrupting the continuous advance of the cartons.

After the upper sealing tape has been applied, the carton flaps are glued and folded to closed positions over the tapes and across the ends of the cartons. A socalled exit conveyor strips the cartons out of the ho]- ders on the main carrier and transfers the cartons from the packaging machine to a remote station where the cartons may be accumulated into groups and packed into shipping boxes.

A packaging machine of this general type is disclosed in Lense, U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,248. A somewhat similar machine also is disclosed in Benzon-Petersen U.S. Pat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The general aim of the present invention is to provide a new and improved machine of the above character which, when compared with prior machines of the same general type, may be more quickly and easily converted or changed over at the end of one packaging run to handle cartons of different size (i.e., cartons of a different height, width and breadth) during the next run. A correlated object of the invention is to standardize the machine so that the same basic machine can be set up to handle cartons of widely varying sizes. In large, the foregoing ends are achieved by (l) keeping cartons of all heights centered vertically during their advance on a common horizontal datum line extending along the carton path and (2) keeping cartons of all widths and breadths centered horizontally with respect to a common vertical datum line extending vertically of the path. By keeping cartons of all sizes centered on the common horizontal and vertical datum lines, changing over of the machine to handle cartons of a different size may be effected with a significant reduction in the number and complexity of adjustments necessary to be made to the sealing units, the tiller and certain other mechanisms for operating on the cartons A further object of the invention is to simplify vertical re-positioning of the sealing units and certain other ones of the carton operating mechanisms when changing the machine over to run cartons of a different height by mounting the sealing units and such operating mechanisms on common upper and lower subframes whose elevations may be changed quickly and easily to accommodate the change in the height of the cartons. Also, the filler preferably is mounted on a separate subframe and may be adjusted vertically in unison with the upper sealing unit. The invention also resides in the provision of novel actuating mechanism for adjusting all of the subframes in unison and for adjusting the upper and lower subframes through equal distances but in opposite directions.

Still another aim of the invention is to construct the carton feed mechanism and the filler as modular units which-are capable of being easily replaced with different types of modules and which may be easily adjusted in a horizontal direction to facilitate changing over of the machine to handle cartons of a different width and/or breath.

A further object of the invention is to simplify the machine while increasing its ruggedness by providing a single drive mechanism operable to move both the upper and lower sealing units back and forth along the carton'path in timed relation with the advance of the cartons.

Another object is to incorporate into each sealing unit a unique and simplified arrangement which backs the carton flaps during the application of sealing pressure to the flaps to seal the tapes and which, at the same time, is capable of effectively isolating the carton carrier from the sealing pressure.

The invention further aims to provide a new and improved exit conveyor which strips the cartons from the main carrier in a more reliable and trouble-free manner than has been possible heretofore, which effects final folding and gluing of the carton flaps, and which acts immediately after an emergency shut down of the machine to fold any flaps that have been glued but not folded at the time shut down occurs.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the various operations performed on the cartons by a new and improved machine embodying the novel features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary carton adapted to be handled by the machine.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the machine.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary front elevation of the machine.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the machine and particularly showing the adjustable subframes.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are enlarged fragmentary cross-sections taken substantially along the lines 6-6 and 77, respectively, of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the drive train for the machine.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view-of part of the carton carrier and showing one of the carton holders.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section taken substantially along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are views similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively, but showing holders adapted to support a carton of a different height, width, and breadth.

FIGS. v13 and 14 are enlarged fragmentary cross-sections taken substantially along the lines 13-13 and 14-14, respectively, of FIG. .4.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the drive mechanism for the sealing units, part of the view being broken away and shown in section.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross-section taken substantially along the line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-section taken substantially along the line 17-17 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially along the line 18-18 of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are fragmentary cross-sections taken substantially along the lines 19-19 and 20-20, respectively, of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-section jtaken substantially along the line 21-21 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary plan view primarily showing the exit conveyor. 7

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary cross-section taken substantially along the line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are enlarged'fragmentary cross-sections taken substantially along the lines 24-24 and 25-25, respectively, of FIG. 22.

GENERAL ORGANIZATION OF THE MACHINE As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the invention is embodied in a packaging machine 29 for depositing a product into packages such as paperboard cartons 30 of rectangular cross-section as the cartons are advanced along a racetrack-shaped path. An exemplary carton is shown in FIG. 2 and includes upright side and end panels 31 and 33 whose upper and lower ends are integral with hinged side flaps 34 and dust flaps 35. The upper and lower ends of the carton are covered by heat sealable safety shields or sealing tapes 36 which are sealed to the flaps as the carton is advanced along the path by the machine with the flaps folded outwardly or reversely as shown in FIG. 2. The flaps of the filled carton ultimately are folded inwardly across the sealing tapes and the ends of the carton and are glued closed.

The general operation of the machine 29 may be explained best by reference to the schematic illustration of FIG. 1 and with more specific reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Initially, flattened or collapsed cartons 30 stacked in a magazine 37 (FIG. 3) at the right end of the main frame 40 of the machine are stripped one-byone from the magazine by a transfer device 41 and are delivered to a feeding wheel 43 which erects the cartons as an incident to delivering the cartons to a powerdriven carrier or conveyor 45 operable to advancethe cartons around the racetrack path with a continuous and uninterrupted motion. During the initial advance of the cartons along the first straight run of the racetrack, the normally upright flaps 34 and are folded reversely and plowed to outwardly projecting, horizontal positions preparatory to the sealing tapes 36 being applied to the flaps. Reverse folding of the flaps is effected by upper and lower power driven folding wheels 46 (FIGS. 3 and-4) and by stationary plows (not shown). a

With continued advance-of the cartons 30 along the initial straight run of the racetrack, the lower sealing tape 36 is stretched over the lower ends of the cartons as shown in FIG. 1, the tape being drawn in a continuous strip from a supply roll 47 and being .trained around guide and dancer rollers 49 so as to extend beneath the cartons. The sealing tape then is sealed simultaneously to the lower ends of a group of nine cartons by a lower sealing unit 50 comprising a series of nine heated sealing shoes 51 which apply heat and pressure to the tape to seal the latter across the lower faces of the outwardly folded flaps 34 and 35 and to momentarily link the nine cartons togetherby the strip of tape. The sealing shoes are advanced along the path in unison with and beneath the cartons and, after all of the shoes have become alined with the overlying nine cartons, the shoes are shifted upwardly into pressing engagement, with the lower ends of the cartons to seal the tape to the flaps. Nine lower cutters 53 move along the path with the sealers and are shifted upwardly to sever the sealing tape between the leading and trailing dust flaps 35 of adjacent cartons of the group immediately after sealing has been effected. The cartons thus are separated from one another and each is left with an individual sealing tape across its lower end. The sealing shoes 51 and .the cutters 53 then are retracted downwardly away from the cartons and are returned reversely along the path and against the flow of the cartons in order to be in position to pick up and move along with the next group of nine cartons.

As the cartons 30 approach the turn of the racetrack, the lower dust flaps 35 and the outer lower side flap 34 of each carton are folded inwardly to closed positions across the lower end of the carton and the sealing tape 36 by rotatable flap folders 54 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and a plow (not shown). Thereafter, the cartons move into the turn where a filler 55 deposits a charge of product into each carton, the cartons herein being filled with concentrated liquid orange juice in a semi-frozen state. The filler comprises a power-rotated turret 56 which carries a series of nozzles 57 arranged on the same pitch circle as the turn and disposed above the cartons. Successive nozzles register with successive ones of the cartons as the latter first move into the turn, move with the cartons around the turn to fill the cartons with downwardly flowing streams of orange juice, and then recede away from the cartonsas the cartons move out of the turn and proceed along the straightaway.

On the straightaway, the upper sealing tape 36 is stretched in a continuous strip across the upper ends of the cartons 30 after being stripped off of an upper supply roll 58 (FIG. 1) and drawn across an upper set of guide and dancer rollers 59. An upper sealing unit 60 substantially identical to the lower unit 50 and including a set of nine upper sealing shoes 51 and cutters 53 then seals and cuts the tape so as to leave each carton with an individual strip of tape across its upper end. After rotatable flap folders 61 (FIG. 3) and a plow (not shown) fold the upper dust flaps 35 and the outer upper side flaps 34 across the sealed tops of the cartons, the latter are removed from the main conveyor 45 by an exit conveyor 63 (FIGS. 1 and 22) and are advanced along the exit conveyor where further operations (to be described subsequently) are performed on the cartons.

THE DATUM LINES AND THE CARTON CONVEYOR In many instances, the same machine 29 may be used for a period of time for filling cartons 30 of one size within a given range of sizes and then may be changed over and adjusted to run and fill cartons of a different size within the range. For example, the machine initially may be set up to run comparatively small cartons 30 (FIGS. 9 and 10) of a given height h, width w, and breadth b. After a certain number of the small cartons 30 have been run, the machine may be changed over to run larger cartons 30' (FIGS. 11 and 12) of a greater height h, width w, and breadth b. As used herein, width refers to the lateral dimension of the cartons between the side-panels 31 while breadth refers'to the dimension between the end panels 33, the latter panels being disposed in leading and trailing relationship as the cartons are advanced.

In one of its aspects, the present invention contemplates reducing the number and complexity of the adjustments needed to be made to the machine 29 to change the latter over from running cartons 30 of one size to running cartons of a different size. This is achieved by. uniquely arranging the main conveyor 45 so that all cartons, regardless of their height h, are kept centered vertically on a common horizontal datum line I'IL (FIGS. 10 and 12) as the cartons are advanced by the conveyor, the datum line being an imaginary line extending along the path of advance of the cartons. In addition, cartons of all widths and breadths are kept centered horizontally on a common vertical datum line VL (FIGS. 9 and 11) so that, regardless'of their width or breadth, all cartons are advanced while being substantially centered with respect to various ones of the carton operating mechanisms such as the sealing shoes 51 and the cutters 53 of the sealing units 50 and 60 and also the nozzles 57 of the filler 55. As will become more apparent subsequently, the use of the common horizontal and vertical datum lines HL and VL simplifies changing over of the machine 29 and enables the machine to be constructed in a simpler but more rugged manner than prior similar machines capable of running cartons of different sizes.

More specifically, the main conveyor 45 advantageously comprises a single chain which is trained around a pair of sprockets 64 and 65 (FIG. 5) to travel in a horizontal plane around the racetrack, the sprocket 64 being power driven to advance the chain 45. Sets of upper and lower holders 66 and 67 (FIGS. 9 and 10) are spaced along and secured to the chain and are adapted to receive the cartons 30 to cause the cartons to advance with the chain. As shown most clearly in FIG. 9, each holder is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of outwardly projecting legs 69 whose inner ends are spanned by a web 70. The legs and web of each holder coact with one another to define a rectangular opening 71 with dimensions approximately equal to the width and breadth of the carton 30 so that each carton fits snugly into the opening with the center of the carton substantially coinciding with the center of the opening and centered horizontally on the'imaginary vertical'datum line VL. The datum line VL extends vertically of the opening 71, is spaced laterally from the chain 45 a fixed-predetermined distance, and may be considered to be at a fixed predetermined location along the chain. Also, it will be apparent from FIG. 10 that the carton is centered vertically on the imaginary horizontal datum line HL which is disposed in a horizontal plane passing through the center of the chain.

To attach the holders 66 and 67 to the chain 45, three screws 73 (FIGS. 9 and 10) extend through the web 70 of each holder and through a mounting plate 74. The mounting plates of the upper and lower holders are secured to the chain by pins 75 extending through the chain links and are held in rigid, spaced apart relation by tubular spacers 76 which threadably receive the upper and lower attaching screws 73. Further rigidity is added to the holders by guide members 77 which are secured to the inner sides of the mounting plates 74 by screws 79 and which slide along rigid, stationary tracks 80 disposed above and below the chain and extending along the inner sides of the straight runs of the chain, the tracks helping to support the chain.

The holders 66 and 67 are used with the machine 29 when the latter is set up to run the comparatively small cartons 30 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. When the machine is changed over to run the larger cartons 30, the holders 66 and 67 are detached from the mounting plates 74 and are replaced with holders 66 and 67' (FIGS. 11 and 12). As shown, each of the holders 66', 67' includes legs 69 and a web that define an opening 71' which is larger than the openings 71 of the holders 66, 67 and which is correlated in sizewith the width w and the breadth b of the large carton 30'. The outside peripheral dimensions of the holders 66 and 67 are identical to the outside dimensions of the holders 66 and 67, but the legs 69' and the webs 70' are made narrower than the legs 69 and the webs 70 so as to make the openings 71' larger than the openings 71. As a result, when the holders 66' and 67' are attached to the chain 45 and when one of the large cartons 30' is placed in the holders, the carton is automatically centered vertically with respect to the same vertical datum line VL used in reference to the smaller cartons 30. That is to say, a vertical reference line passing through the center of the opening of one of the large cartons 30' carried by the chain 45 is spaced laterally the same predetermined distance from the chain and is located in the same predetermined position along the chain as a vertical reference line passing through the center of the opening of one of the small cartons 30 when the latter is located at a corresponding position along the racetrack. Where, as in this instance, the sizes of the cartons 30 and 30' fall within a given range of sizes, the horizontal spacing or pitch between adjacent sets of the holders on the chain remains the same regardless of whether the holders 66, 67 or the holders 66', 67' are attached to the chain.

Because the cartons 30, 30' are kept centered on the common vertical datum line VL, the nozzles 57 of the filler 55 automatically register with the openings of the cartons as the latter proceed around the turn of the racetrack and thus the angular spacing between the width. In other words, the nozzles and liquid streams discharged therefrom can remain in the same physical which operate on the tops of the'cartons are raised through an equal distance. If the machine is changed positions relative to the racetrack regardless of the width or breadth of the cartons being run as long as the carton breadth does not fall outside of a given range of breadths. Also, the sealing shoes 51 of the lower and upper sealing units 50and 60 are automatically maintained in a centered relationship with respect to both the width and the breadth of the cartons and thus the sealing pressure exerted by the shoescan be kept centered on the cartons without need of adjusting the relative position of the shoes either along the chain 45 or laterally of thechain'when the machine 29 is changed over.

While cartons 30, 30'-with symmetrical leading and trailing .dust flaps 35 have been illustrated and while the openings of such cartons herein are maintained centered on the common vertical datum line VL, it should be realized that the leading and trailing dust flaps of each carton may be dissimilar in shape and that the dust flaps of the small cartons 30 need not necessarily be'shaped the same as the dust flaps of the larger cartons 30'. Insome instances where the dust flaps of the large and small cartons are not symmetrical, it may be desirable to maintain all cartons centered on a common vertical datum line located midway between the leading edge of the leading dust flap and the trailing edge of the trailing dust flap rather than keeping the cartons centered on a vertical datum line extending through the center of the opening of the carton.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 12, the webs 70' of the holders 66' and 67 are each formed with a vertically extending neck 81. When the holders 66' and 67' are attached to the mounting plates 74 by screws 73' which are longer than the screws 73, the necks 81 cause the vertical spacing between the upper and lower holders 66', and 67' to be greater than the vertical spacing between the holders 66, 67 shown in FIG. by an amount equal to the difference in the height, h of the carton 301 and the height h of the carton 30. Accordingly, whena large carton 301 with a height h is placed in the holders 66' and 67', such carton is automatically centered vertically on the same horizontal datum line I-IL as the smaller carton 30. Thus, the use of different holders for the different sized cartons 30 and 30' results in cartons of both sizes being kept centered vertically on the same horizontal datum line HL and also centered horizontally on the same vertical datum line VL as the cartons are advanced around the racetrack by the chain 45 r Adjustments to compensate for the change in height of the cartons are made in reference to the horizontal datum line I'IL so that the elevation of the chain 45 need not be changed. Thus, when the machine is changed over, for example, from running cartons 30 of one height h to running cartons 30' of a greater height h, those particularmechanisms such as the lower sealing unit 50 which operate on the bottoms of the cartons are lowered from their former positions through a distance equal to one-half the difference between the height of the cartons 30, 30' while those mechanisms, such as the filler 55 and the upper sealing unit 60,

over to run shorter cartons, the lower operating mechanisms are raised and the upper operating mechanisms are lowered. Because of the common horizontal datum line, the elevation of the feeding wheel 43 need not be changed when the machine is changed overto run cartons of a different height. In addition, the loading imposed on the chain by the cartons,

by the carton holders, and by the sealing pressure exerted by the sealing units 50 and 60 is always symmetrical about the vertical center of the chain regardless of the height of they cartons. Thus, the chain is not subjected to unequal force moments as would be the case if the holders 66 and 67 were spaced vertically from the chain by different distances.

THE MAIN FRAME AND THE DRIVE FOR THE CARTON CONVEYOR,

Now that the basic concept of maintaining the common horizontal and vertical datum lines HL and VL has been explained, it is appropriate to describe certain structural aspects of the machine 29 in more detail. For purposes of explanation, the main frame 40 may be considered as comprising a center section 83 (FIG. 5)

' and left and right end sections 84 and 85 which all are formed of frame members suitably welded together to form a box-like frame unit, exemplary ones of the frame members being shown in FIGS. 6 and 14 and being-indicated by the reference numerals 87 and 88, respectively, in those views. A peaked roof 90 (FIGS. 5 and 13) is attached to and covers the upper side of the center framesection 83 to streamline the frame and to prevent foreign material from' .fouling various mechanisms housed within the frame beneath the roof.

The conveyor sprocket 64 is mounted on a shaft 90 (FIG. 8) supported by the right end portion of the center frame section 83 and is power-rotated to advance the chain 45. To rotate the sprocket 64, a main drive motor 91 is connected by a belt drive 93 to a shaft 94 which acts through an adjustable, variable speed gear box 95 and an electric clutch 96 to turn a pinion 97 on a shaft 99. The pinion meshes with and turns a bull gear 100 which is secured to the shaft 90 beneath the sprocket 64. Advantageously, the sprocket may be driven selectively at a very slow rate to in'ch the chain 45 along slowly but continuously for purposes of setting up and checking out the machine 29. Thus, a comparatively small and normally de-energized inching motor 101 (FIG. 8) is connected to the shaft 94 through a gear box 103 and a normally disengaged electric clutch 104. When the inching motor 101 is energized and the clutch 104 engaged, the sprocket 64 is driven at a much slower rate than is the case when the sprocket is being driven by the main motor 91. During inching, the main motor 91 is de-energized and its rotor simply freewheels as the belt 93 is driven by the shaft 94.

THE CARTON FEED MODULE When the machine 29 is changed over from running cartons of one width to running cartons of a different width, the carton feeding wheel43 (FIG. 3) must be adjusted toward or away from the sprocket 64 so that the cartons can be placed properly in the holders 66, 67 on the chain 45 as the holders are driven around the 9 sprocket. Thus, when the machine is changed over to run cartons of a lesser width, the feeding wheel must be adjusted toward the sprocket by a distance equal to one-half the difference between the width of the wider and narrower cartons. The feeding wheel must be adjusted by a corresponding distance but away from the sprocket when the machine is changed over to run wider cartons.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the feeding wheel 43, the transfer device 41 for delivering the cartons to the wheel, and the magazine 37 for storing the initially flattened cartons all are constructed as a modular unit and all are adapted to be adjusted in unison toward and away from the sprocket 64. By arranging the wheel 43, the transfer device 41 and the magazine 37 as a feed module, the position of the wheel relative to the sprocket 64 can be adjusted as necessary when the machine is changed over to run cartons of a different width and yet a constant relationship is maintained between the wheel, the transfer device and the magazine to avoid the need of adjusting the three relative to one another when the position of the wheel is changed.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. to 7, the feeding wheel 43, the transfer device 41 and the magazine 37 all are supported on a box-like base 105 which, in turn, is mounted slidably on the upper side of the right end section 85 of the main frame 40 to move toward and away from the center section 83 of the frame and the sprocket 64 supported thereon. Thus, the feeding module is formed by the wheel 43, the transfer device 41,,the magazine 37 and the base 105 so that adjustment of the base effects adjustment of the other elements in unison with one another. To mount the base 105 for sliding on the end frame section 85, wear plates 106 (FIG. 7) are fastened to the lower sides of the base and ride along machined pads 107 fastened to the frame members 87. A clamping plate 108 underlies each pad 107 and is fastened to the base by a clamping screw 109 and an adjusting screw 110. When the clamping screw is loosened, the base may be slid horizontally on the pads 107 to position the feeding wheel 43 in the proper location relative to the sprocket 64 to deliver the cartons 30 to the holders 66 and 67. Adjustment of the base is facilitated by two actuator screws 111 (FIG. 6) rotatably mounted in the right end of the base and threaded into a plate 112 which is anchored to the extreme right end frame member 87. After first loosening the clamping screws 109, the actuator screws 111 may be turned to either draw the base toward the sprocket or to force the base away from the sprocket. A cover plate 113 (FIG. 5) fastened to the left end of the base fits slidably over the right end of the peaked roof 90 and closes the gap between the base and the center frame section 83 in all adjusted positions of the base.

It will be apparent that the construction of the feeding wheel 43, the transfer device 41 and the magazine 37 as a modular unit with the base 105 enables the transfer device and the magazine to be adjusted in unison with the feeding wheel when the latter is shifted to a different position to deliver cartons of a different width to the cartons holders. As a result, it is not necessary to adjust the transfer device and the magazine relative to the feeding wheel each time the machine 29 is changed over to run cartons of a different width. Moreover, the feed module may be replaced quickly and easily with a different module for feeding specially designed cartons of a different type than the cartons 30.

THE LADDER FRAMES As pointed out above, the mechanisms, such as the upper and lower sealing units 60 and 50, which operate on the upper and lower ends of the cartons 30 are adjusted vertically by equal amounts but in opposite directions when the machine 29 is changed over to run cartons of a different height. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, vertical adjustment of the upper and lower operating mechanisms is facilitated greatly by mounting most of the mechanisms which operate on the upper ends of the cartons on a common upper subframe 114 (FIG. 5) and by mounting most of the mechanisms which operate on the lower ends of the cartons on a common lower subframe 115. Both subframes are mounted for vertical adjustment on the main frame 40 and preferably are arranged to be power-adjusted at the same time but in opposite directions. In this way, most of the upper and lower operating mechanisms may be adjusted in unison when the machine is changed over to run cartonsof a different height and thus it is not necessary to adjust each of the mechanisms individually.

The upper and lower subframes 114 and 115 are somewhat similar in appearance to ladders and thus will be referred to hereafter as ladder frames. Each of the ladder frames 114, 115 is spaced above the peaked roof 90 on the center frame section 83 and each comprises a pair of elongated bars 116 (FIG. 5) extending lengthwise of the machine 29 and interconnected by a pair of primary cross bars 117. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 13, four jack screws 119 are connected to the primary cross bars 117 of the ladder frames for the purpose of adjusting the ladder frames-vertically. Each jack screw includes a reduced diameter lower end portion 120 (FIG. 13) which is journaled in a bearing unit 121 supported on the roof 90 of the center section 83 of the main frame 40, the screw jack being captivated against endwise movement relative to the roof. Each screw further comprises a right-hand threaded portion 123 threaded into a nut 124 fixed to the primary cross bar 117 of the lower ladder frame 115, an intermediate unthreaded portion 125 rotatably received in bushings 126 which are fixed relative to the main frame 40, and a left-hand threaded portion 127 threaded into a nut 129 fixed to the primary cross bar 117 of the upper ladder frame 114. Thus, when the jack screws are rotated simultaneously, the ladder frames are adjusted in unison relative to the main frame 40 through equal distances but in opposite directions so that one ladder frame may be lowered and the other raised when the machine 29 is changed over to run cartons of a different height.

To rotate all of the jack screws 119 simultaneously, a reversible motor 130 (FIGS. 5 and 13) is supported on the main frame 40 and acts through a gear box 131 to drive a chain 133. The latter is trained around sprockets 134 on a pair of shafts 135, each shaft extending between and driving right angle gear boxes 136 connected to the lower ends 120 of those screws located on the sameside of the ladderframes. Thus, when the motor 130 is energized in one direction, all of the jack screws are rotated in unison to raise one ladder frame (e.g., the upper frame 114) and to lower the other ladder frame. If the motor is energized reversely, the upper frame is lowered while the lower frame is raised. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,,the lowerladder frame 115 carries the lower sealing unit as well as the lower wheel 46 for unfolding the carton flaps, the lower tape supply roll 47, the lower guide and dancer rollers 49, the lower flap folders 54, various plows and other mechanisms for operating on the bottoms of the cartons. The upper ladder frame 114 carries not only the upper sealing unit 60 but also the upper unfolding wheel 46, the uppertape supply roll 58, the upper guide and dancer rollers 59, the upper flap folders 61, plows and other mechanisms for operating on the tops of the cartons. Accordingly, energization of the motor to adjust theladder frames changes the elevation of allof these operating mechanisms in unison and in the proper direction to avoid the need of adjusting each of the mechanisms individually when the machine 29 is changed over to run cartons of a different height.

THE FILLING MODULE The-elevation of the filler also must be adjusted when the machine 29 is changed over to run cartons of a different height so that the nozzles 57 will be located at the proper level. While the filler possibly could be mounted on the upper ladder frame 114 and adjusted with theupper sealing unit 60 and the other upper operating mechanisms when the elevation of the upper ladder frame is changed, the weight of the filler normally is such that the upper ladder frame would headversely unbalanced and, in addition, would require jack screws substantially larger than the jack screws 119. The present invention contemplates mounting the filler on a separate vertically adjustable subframe 137 (FIG. 14) and changing the elevationof such subframe in unison with the upper ladder frame so that the filler 55 may be adjusted at the same time, in the same direction, and through the same distance as the upper sealing unit 60 and the other upper operating mechanisms but without subjecting the upper ladder frame to the weight of the filler.

In general, the vertically adjustable subframe 137 for supporting the filler 55 is disposed adjacent the left end section 84 of the main frame 40. For a purpose which will be explained subsequently, the filler 55 and the vertically adjustable subframe 137 advantageously coact with a supporting base 139 to form a filling module which is adjustable horizontally on the left end frame section 84 in such a manner that the entire filling module can be moved toward and away from the center frame section 83.

More specifically, the supporting base 139 of the filling module comprises a peaked roof section 140 (FIG. 14) overlying the horizontal frame members 88 of the left frame section 84 and fitted slidably at its right end with the left end of the main roof covering the center frame section 83. Rigid with and depending fromthe ends of the end roof section are upright plates 141 (one shown in FIG. 14) to which are attached elongated horizontal wear plates 143. The latter ride along machined pads 144 fastened to the upper sides of the horizontal frame members 88 and are adapted to be clamped releasably to the pads by clamping plates. 145 underlying the pads and connected to the wear plates by clamping screws 146 and adjusting screws 147 similar to the screws 109 and 110 of the feeding module. Thus, when the clamping screws 146 are loosened, the supporting base 139 formed primarily by the end roof section 140 may be slid along the frame members 88 of the end frame section 84 to shift the base toward or away from the center frame section 83. Suitable actuating screws (not shown) similar to the actuating screws 1 l 1 of the feed module may be provided to effect sliding of the base 139 on the frame members 88.

The supporting base 139 further comprises a lower plate 149 (FIG. 14) connected rigidly to arms 150 formed integrally with and depending from the upright plates 141. Anchored to the lower side of the horizontal plate 149 is a gear box 151 which houses a vertically fixed rotatable nut 153 threaded onto an actuating screw 154 extending downwardly into the gear box and projecting upwardly through the lower plate 149.

When the nut 153 is rotated in one direction or the other, the screw 154 remains rotationally stationary but threads through the nut so as to translate upwardly or downwardly for purposes of raising or lowering the filler 55 and the subframe 137. An input shaft 155 extending into the gear box 151 effects rotation of the nut 153 and is connected by a splined coupling 156 (FIGS. 4 and 5) to a shaft 157 which is connected by a chain 159 to the gear box 131 driven by the ladder frame adof the screw jacks 119, the actuating screw 154 also is shifted either upwardly or downwardly to effect simultaneous vertical adjustment of the tiller 55. The splined coupling 156 between the shafts 155 and 157 permits the base 139 and the gear box 151 to be shifted horizontally along the stationary frame members 88 while still maintaining a driving connection between the two shafts.

Anchored rigidly to the upper end of the actuating screw 154 is a lower bushing member 160(FIG. 14) which is fastened to an upper bushing member 161, the latter in turn being bolted to a horizontal disc 163 forming part of the subframe 137 for the filler 55.

. Three angularly spaced arms 164 radiate outwardly from the disc 163 and, at their free ends, carry upright rods 165 (FIGS. 4 and 14) whose upper ends are connected to the filler 55 to help support the latter. Two of the rods 165 are located outboard of the left end of the end roof section 140 while the third rod extends upwardly through the right end portion of the end roof section as shown in FIG. 4.

Disposed above and bolted to the disc 163 is a hub 166 (FIG. 14) which is telescoped slidably into a sleeve 167 welded to and extending through the peak of the end roof section 140. An additional hub 169 is rotatably journaled in the upper end portion of the sleeve 167 by bearings 170 and is bolted at its upper end to the idler sprocket 65 of the main conveyor chain 45, the hub 169 being suitably anchored against axial movement within the sleeve 167. The filler 55 is disposed above the idler sprocket 65 and its turret 56 is driven by the sprocket as the latter turns so as to effect 

1. In a packaging machine for operating on packages which, from run to run, may vary in height within a predetermined range of heights, the combination of, a main frame, a power driven carrier on said main frame for advancing said packages along a predetermined path, said carrier maintaining packages of all heights within said range centered vertically on a common horizontal datum line disposed within and extending along said path, upper and lower subframes mounted on said main frame for up and down adjustment relative to the latter and said datum line, upper and lower operating mechanisms carried on said upper and lower subframes, respectively, for operating on the upper and lower end portions of packages advanced along said path, and means selectively operable to adjust said subframes vertically in unison through equal distances but in opposite directions when the machine is changed over to run packages of a different height thereby to enable simultaneous vertical adjustment of said operating mechanisms to the proper operating elevations relative to the upper and lower end portions of the packages of the succeeding run.
 2. A packaging machine as defined in claim 1 in which said means comprise upright screw jacks journaled for rotation on said main frame and captivated against endwise movement relative to said main frame, the upper and lower end portions of each screw jack being formed with opposite hand threads and being threadably connected to the upper and lower subframes, respectively, and a reversible power actuator connected to said screw jacks and selectively operable to rotate the latter to adjust said subframes.
 3. A packaging machine as defined in claim 1 in which said operating mechanisms comprise upper and lower sealing units spaced from one another along said path and operable to seal closed the upper and lower ends of the packages, and further including a filler disposed along said path between said sealing units for depositing a charge of product into each package after the lower end thereof has been sealed and before sealing of the upper end thereof, an additional subframe carrying said filler and mounted on said main frame for up and down adjustment relative to the latter, and means selectively operable to adjust said additional subframe in unison with and in the same direction as said upper subframe when the machine is changed over to run packages of a different height thereby to enable adjustment of said filler to the proper elevation relative to the packages of the succeeding run.
 4. A packaging machine as defined in claim 3 in further including means mounting said additional subframe on said main frame for horizontal adjustment to enable selective horizontal movement of said filler on said main frame, said carrier comprising a pair of horizontally spaced sprockets and an endless chain trained around said sprockets, means mounting one of said sprockets on said additional subframe for horizontal adjustment with the latter and toward and away from the other sprocket, and said last-mentioned means leaving said adDitional subframe and said filler free for vertical adjustment without changing the elevation of said one sprocket.
 5. A packaging machine as defined in claim 4 further including an upright drive shaft connected to drive said filler, said shaft being supported rotatably on said additional subframe and being adjustable both vertically and horizontally with said additional subframe, and means coupling said drive shaft and said one sprocket for rotation in unison while leaving said drive shaft free for vertical adjustment relative to said one sprocket.
 6. A packaging machine as defined in claim 1 further including a feed module for delivering packages to said carrier, and means mounting said module on one end portion of said main frame for horizontal adjustment toward and away from the corresponding end of said carrier.
 7. A packaging machine as defined in claim 3 in which said main frame comprises a center section and two end sections, said upper and lower subframes being supported on the center section, said filler and said additional subframe being supported on one of the end sections, a feed module supported on the other of said end sections for delivering packages to said carrier, and means connecting said module and said additional subframe to said main frame for horizontal adjustment of said module and said filler toward and away from one another.
 8. A packaging machine as defined in claim 1 in which said operating mechanisms comprise upper and lower sealing units spaced from one another along said path and operable to seal closed the upper and lower ends of the packages, a drive mechanism mounted on said main frame for moving both of said sealing units back and forth along said path, and means for transmitting power from said drive mechanism to said sealing units while accommodating vertical adjustment of said sealing units relative to said drive mechanism when said subframes are adjusted.
 9. A packaging machine as defined in claim 8 in which said path is in the shape of a racetrack with said sealing units being located on opposite straight runs of the path, said drive mechanism being located between said straight runs and including a reciprocating member movable back and forth on said main frame, said power transmitting means comprising a pair of links each connected pivotally at one end to said reciprocating member, the other ends of said links being connected pivotally to said sealing units.
 10. A packaging machine comprising a main frame, a carrier on said frame for advancing a series of packages along a racetrack-shaped path with continuous motion, upper and lower sealing units spaced from one another along said path and located on opposite straight runs of the path for sealing the upper and lower ends of the packages, and a filler located along said path and disposed between said sealing units for depositing a charge of product into each package after the lower end thereof has been sealed and before sealing of the upper end thereof, the improvement in said machine comprising, a drive mechanism comprising a power-reciprocated member guided for back and forth movement on said frame and located between the straight runs of said path, and a pair of links each connected at one end to said power-reciprocated member and each connected at its other end to one of said sealing units and operable to move said sealing units back and forth along the straight sides of said path in response to reciprocation of said member.
 11. A packaging machine as defined in claim 10 in which each of said links is pivotally connected to said power-reciprocated member and also is pivotally connected to its respective sealing unit to transmit the back and forth motion of said reciprocated member to the sealing unit while permitting vertical adjustment of the sealing unit relative to the reciprocated member.
 12. A packaging machine as defined in claim 10 further including upper and lower subframes mounting said upper and lower sealing units for vertical adjusTment on said main frame, power-actuated means selectively operable to adjust said subframes vertically in unison but in opposite directions relative to said main frame, and said links being pivotally coupled between said sealing units and said power-reciprocated member to permit vertical adjustment of said sealing units with said subframes and relative to said main frame and said reciprocated member while still transmitting power from said reciprocated member to said sealing units.
 13. A packaging machine as defined in claim 10 in which said carrier comprises a pair of rotatable sprockets and an endless chain trained around said sprockets, one of said sprockets being power-driven to advance said chain, said drive mechanism comprising means connected to and actuated by said driven sprocket and operable to convert the rotary motion of said sprocket into back and forth motion for moving said reciprocated member in timed relation with the advance of said chain.
 14. A packaging machine as defined in claim 10 in which each of said sealing units includes a carriage movable back and forth alongside said path and further includes a series of sealing shoes movable upwardly and downwardly on said carriage and into and out of pressing engagement with the packages to seal the latter, said carrier including a series of holders movable along said path for supporting and advancing the packages, an elongated pressure transmitting member carried on and movable with said carriage, means mounting said pressure transmitting member on said carriage for movement into and out of engagement with said holders, and means for moving said pressure transmitting member into engagement with said holders prior to movement of said sealing shoes into pressing engagement with the packages. 